Arsenal in Talks with Venezuelan Centre-Back Fernando Amorebieta

English Premier League giants Arsenal look set to reinforce their defence come the end of the season after it was revealed that the Gunners were in talks with Venezuelan centre-back Fernando Amorebieta. The news comes after ArseneWenger's side failed to snare the signature of Amorebieta during the January transfer window.

Goal.com can report that Amorebieta would be free to leave Athletic Bilbao at the end of the season on a free deal since his contract expires at the end of 2012-13. Despite being in talks with the player, Amorebieta's agent GinesCarvajal has been quick to suggest that a number of clubs have contacted him in regards to his player telling Izvestia (via Goal.com):

We have had some contacts with Anzhi [Makhachkala], they were ready to make a good offer, but my client wants to play in England, so the transfer to Russia was not possible.

We are in talks with Arsenal, he could join them in June.

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

At 27 years of age, the Bilbao man is probably at the peak of his career and would prove an effective addition to Wenger's squad. Despite being a Venezuelan international, he did play for Spain at an Under-19 capacity.

If Amorebieta does choose to leave Bilbao, he would join the likes of Fernando Llorente, who will also leave on a Bosman free transfer come the end of the year.

This season Amorebieta has made 14 appearances for Bilbao notching up his 250th professional game in the process. Standing at 192 cm, he would prove an ideal addition to any back line, which is why Wenger will want to seal this one up as soon as possible.